SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Anchorage Field Office, Anchorage, Alaska, intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) with an associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the RMP for the Bering Sea-Western Interior (BSWI) Planning Area and by this notice announces the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The RMP will replace the existing 1981 Southwest Planning Area Management Framework Plan and portions of the 1986 Central Yukon RMP Record of Decision.

DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the RMP and associated EIS. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until December 16, 2013. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: www.blm.gov/ak. All comments must be received prior to the close of the 150-day scoping period or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. Additional opportunities for public participation will be announced upon publication of the Draft RMP/EIS.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria related to the Bering Sea-Western Interior RMP/EIS by any of the following methods: In person at public scoping meetings in communities within the planning area. The BLM will announce the meeting dates, times and specific locations through news releases and on the BLM Web site at www.blm.gov/ak Web site: www.blm.gov/ak email: BSWI_RMP_COMMENT@blm.gov fax: 907-267-1267 mail: BLM Anchorage Field Office, Attention--BSWI RMP, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507 Documents pertinent to this planning effort may be examined at the BLM Anchorage Field Office, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507, and on the BLM Alaska Web site: www.blm.gov/ak.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact RMP Team Lead, Anchorage Field Office, telephone: 907-267-1246; address: BLM Anchorage Field Office, 4700 BLM Road, Anchorage, AK 99507; email: BSWI_RMP_COMMENT@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.